Friuli Venezia Giulia, pure Central European charm

Trieste used to be the main port for the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, of which to this day still maintains the atmosphere thanks to its Vienna-style cafes. More recent and tragic history is also engraved in the very mountains of the Carso area, where World War I was fought. If you love art, you cannot miss the Museo Diocesano and the Tiepolo Gallery in Udine, where you will gaze in amazement at the famous Venetian painter Tiepolo’s frescos. You can then visit Gorizia’s Castle, dating back to the XI Century, and have a view from above after you have visited Gorizia’s Medieval Museum.

The ancient town of Cividale del Friuli, founded by Julius Caesar himself under the name of Forum Iulii, used to be a very busy junction of the Lombard Empire, thus its buildings still maintain the medieval style. Aquileia is renowned for having been a crucial territory during the Roman age, and is today a famous archeological site.

Villa Manin di Passariano, which in the present day hosts international art exhibits, was once home to Napoleon Bonaparte.

Not to forget the fortified city of Palmanova, which stands out for its atypical nine-pointed star shape.